OCFS, Accord open racing seasons this weekend

Major changes are coming at the region's two dirt-racing tracks, Accord Speedway and Orange County Fair Speedway. Both tracks open their seasons this weekend, with Accord running Friday nights and OCFS on Saturday nights.

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By KEN McMILLAN

recordonline.com

By KEN McMILLAN

Posted Apr. 12, 2013 at 2:00 AM

By KEN McMILLAN

Posted Apr. 12, 2013 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

Major changes are coming at the region's two dirt-racing tracks, Accord Speedway and Orange County Fair Speedway. Both tracks open their seasons this weekend, with Accord running Friday nights and OCFS on Saturday nights.

Accord owner Gary Palmer said car counts are healthy at close to 120-130, with an influx of pro stock entries from the Middletown area and Capital district. OCFS has done away with the pro stock division, opting to feature street stocks — also known as pure stocks. The modified car count at Accord also went up at mid-season in 2012 when Palmer allowed the return of aerodynamic sail panels.

Palmer has also changed the tire rule at Accord, forcing drivers to use the same tire compounds for trials as they do for main features. In the past, some drivers used softer compounds, which would allow the cars to go faster and survive the shorter events, whereas the same tires would not last for 30-lap features. Now, big-money teams won't have the advantage of utilizing soft- and hard-tire compounds.

A new handicapping system at Accord will prompt the top drivers to start further back in the field, leading to more exciting passing and giving other drivers a chance to win from the front of the field. This will also be the second season with trimmed-down banking, which should create more of a competitive balance between the upper and lower racing lanes.

Accord will also be selling Sunoco race fuel at the track, saving drivers more than a dollar per gallon from past suppliers.

Dave Rocket takes over as race director at Accord and Steve Otten has been promoted to head flagger. Joel Murns takes over as head announcer.

The big change at Orange County is the return of 358 modifieds, also known as small-block modifieds. That racing division was featured at OCFS for decades until management weaned the features off for good in 2010. The small blocks are back for 12 shows in 2013, which should be enough for prospective owners to make the investment. The rookie sportsman class also gets 12 dates.

There are new gate times at OCFS. The pit gates will open at 4 p.m., and spectators can enter in the grandstand and drive-in starting at 5 p.m. In the pits, VP Race Fuel is now available at OCFS.

The World of Outlaws return to OCFS on Sunday, May 19.

Accord hosts the King of the Catskills on Sept. 20-21, which includes an Eastern States qualifier. OCFS hosts the Eastern States championships Oct. 25-27.